Caledonia    She is an award-winning journalist who got her start as the education reporter for the Grand Haven Tribune. Grand Rapids    In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. The "New password" field is the new password that you would like to set As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. All questions regarding the search should be directed to Jay D. Bennett, Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or [email protected]. Grandville    Byron Center   The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education Aug. 9 approved two new hires to the central office team Executive Director of Elementary Education Jason Lawson and Executive Director of Student Services Veronica Lake. The board selected Polston after final interviews with him and the other finalist, Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Frequently Asked Questions - Endeavor Elementary - Elementary Schools The Kentwood Board of Education has approved a $204,500 starting salary for incoming superintendent Kevin Polston. Kentwood Public Schools - U.S. News Education Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community. The Facts 94% Rockford    Cedar Springs    This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! We are a "no-excuse" district. In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. Zoerhoff is one of several school leaders in Kent and Ottawa counties that announced retirement amid the coronavirus pandemic. Polston also successfully applied Godfrey-Lee for a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation to provide at-risk students with free mobile hotspots and internet connectivity to help with remote learning. It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.. The Board of Education selected as finalists: The posting for the position received 31 applicants, according to information from the Michigan Association of School Boards. GPS Longitude:-85.643473. Kentwood Public Schools to increase security at graduation - WZZM13.com Zoerhoff was named superintendent in 2013 and has worked in the district for 33 years. 10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. Kentwood Public Schools Education in Kentwood is about capturing the excitement of children to learn and to inspire them to believe in the value of ALL human beings. This link will go live at approximately 5:45 p.m. the day of the interviews. The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education will interview six finalists including two in-house candidates and the current superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools on April 28-29, to replace Michael Zoerhoff as superintendent, who will leave the position at the end of the school year. There is also an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the Administration Building during the interviews. KENTWOOD, MI - Kentwood Public Schools has selected Kevin Polston, superintendent of the neighboring school district Godfrey-Lee, to take over as its next leader. Kent City    3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Grand Rapids Community College    Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting, Tips for Parents and Staff When Dealing with Trauma. I believe (Polston) has a clear vision, and his goal to change the trajectory of kids lives resonates with me, said Pete Battey, board treasurer, during final discussion after second-round interviews Wednesday evening. What do I do? Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? Search Timeline. Polston brings experienced and proven leadership to Kentwood Public Schools. Candidate names will become public at the time an interview is scheduled. A Calvin University graduate, she later returned to Calvin to help manage its national writing festival. Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! I am so excited to join our diverse global Kentwood community. Scheduled to be interviewed on Thursday, April 29, are Evan Hordyk, executive director of secondary education, Kentwood Public Schools (6 p.m.); Nkenge Bergan, director of student services, Kalamazoo Public Schools (7 p.m.); and Jamie Gordon, executive director of human resources, Kentwood Public Schools (8 p.m.). Kentwood Public Schools | Kentwood MI - Facebook To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure to our employees and visitors, all staff are required to complete a daily screening questionnaire at or before the beginning of your work day. Kent ISD When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher, he said. First Name: 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. Joe Cull - kentisd.org It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. Thornapple Kellogg    Kentwood    Superintendent announces retirement after 33 years serving Kentwood SE Kentwood, MI 49508P: 616.455.4400 | F: 616.455.4476, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. school year7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. summer break (M-Th)7:30 a.m. - 11:30a.m. 318 followers 314 connections. Mar. Private Junior High School. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. Kentwood Public Schools trustee Sylvia James appointed to Kent ISD In this MLive file photo, Julie Brill talks to her 2nd grade class after visiting with Gov. Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. High expectations and a growth mindset: Kentwood Grit means that we have a growth mindset coupled with high expectations and this encourages every student to succeed and develop socially, emotionally, and academically. In addition to the salary, the school board will also contribute $20,450 annually to a tax-deferred annuity for Polston. First Name: Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Kentwood Public Schools announces two executive level hires in central Follow us on Facebook; Follow us on Twitter/span> . We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. Last Name: Mar. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools | Mi Ed Careers 3. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Newcomer challenging 3 incumbents on Kentwood school board Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017. Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The school board also cited Polstons background as the son of a Palestinian immigrant and a first generation college student as a story that mirrors many Kentwood families. Superintendent Kevin Polston - WKTV Journal This diverse environment uniquely prepares our students to be globally competitive in their chosen lifes pursuits after graduation. The superintendent led Godfrey-Lee Public Schools through a tumultuous school year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Kentwood    Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. To accommodate proper social distancing, the Board of Education asks that you RSVP if you intend to attend the interviews in person by emailing [email protected]. A graduate of Central Michigan University, she has written for The Grand Rapids Press, Advance Newspapers, On-the-Town Magazine and Group Tour Media. Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff has announced that at the end of this school year he will retire after 33 years as a teacher, coach, principal and district administrator working with students all along. Gretchen Whitmer at Meadowlawn Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. Kentwood Public Schools School District (2023) - Caledonia, MI I believe that education has the power to transform lives and I am pleased to join a district with an enduring commitment to excellence and equity, Polston said in a prepared statement. In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.. 5820 Eastern Ave. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. She was one of the original SNN staff writers, helping launch the site in 2013 and enjoys fulfilling the mission of sharing the stories of public education. School leaders noted that Polstons commitment to West Michigans public schools reflects his passion for education and the importance of community partnerships. She has worked as a journalist in the Grand Rapids area since 2000. Mar. From the Superintendent - Our District - Kentwood Public Schools Lowell    We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. Public School Kentwood Public Schools | Kentwood MI Kelloggsville    While there have been some leadership changes at Kentwood Public Schools, some things will not change. 0 miles away. Community members, staff and students are encouraged to watch the interviews online as they take place. It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. Grand Valley State University. Last Name: Mar. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. Mar. KENTWOOD, MI -- After 33 years of service to Kentwood Public Schools, Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced Wednesday, Nov. 11 that he will retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year.. Polston, currently superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, will take the reins from Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, who retires June 30 after eight years in the role. I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our community and Kentwood Public Schools.. You will now have one password for multiple accounts. Our goal is for each student to master and apply the essential skills to be a successful, productive citizen. The six candidates were selected out of 31 people who applied for the position, the Michigan Association of School Boards announced in a news release Tuesday, April 20. 113 were here. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation. He also served in 2019 as chair of the Kent Intermediate Superintendents Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Gildas LaughFest hosting pop-up shop on Saturday, GVSU to celebrate Womens History Month with campus events, Leaders, visionaries, entrepreneurs explore Grand Rapids effort to become a region tech hub, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids present annual service award to Kate Pew Wolters, Grand Rapids Ballet Schools Junior Company present Wizard of Oz, Broadway Grand Rapids announces 2023-2024 season, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma, WKTV Managing Editor, Kent County Treasurers office launches new online payment service for delinquent property taxes. Conduct prejudicial to the Kentwood Public School District In the event the Board determines to bring charges against the Superintendent, prior written notice of the charges shall be given to the Superintendent and the Superintendent, at his option, may request an open or closed hearing before the Board for the purpose of defending said charges. Staff - Kentwood Public Schools If you are coming into school you can change it at your PC. Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Jenison High School principal selected as district's next - mlive Kent ISD    Central to this effort is our commitment to help students develop a growth mindset that reflects high expectations. Beth has also written for The Grand Rapids Press, Fox 17 and several West Michigan businesses and nonprofits. Thirty-three percent of Kentwood students are Black, 28% are white, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 15% Asian and 7% identify as being of two or more races, according to state data. Our environment and comprehensive standards develop self-motivated students who upon graduation are ready to assume the role of responsible individuals in a global society. In an industry where leaders frequently change school districts, Zoerhoff spent his entire 33-year career in Kentwood Public Schools, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and finally as superintendent, according to the announcement. Kentwood Public Schools look to be leader, model for diversity Sharing Stories of Student Success Your Dream is Our Dream is an initiative of Kent ISD and its member districts to showcase student success stories at every step of the education journey. To help students succeed with online learning, Polston championed a partnership between Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Michigan States College of Education to provide elementary teachers with resources and strategies on how to effectively lead a virtual classroom amid the coronavirus pandemic. He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. For the 2023 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 9,085 students in Kentwood Public Schools School District. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. GPS Latitude: 42.858551. The Board of Education, and the Michigan Association of School Boards, which is assisting the search, announced today, April 20, that the Kentwood Public Schools superintendent posting closed on April 6, with considerable interest and 31 applicants, and Board of Education has selected the six candidates for first-round interviews. Kentwood Public Schools loves to have our team connected! Polston earned his bachelors degree in secondary education and teaching from Michigan State University and his masters in educational leadership and administration from Grand Valley State University, according to his LinkedIn profile. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. Camera offers new perspective, career goal, Loves math, wants to work in medicine with children, Students present artistic twist on being nice, New initiative aims to connect students with careers & schools with employers, District buildings promote mental health awareness, An MSU grads painful reflection: violence has turned my former green-and-white home red, Patient parapro + purposeful play = preschool progress, Civic-minded scholars delve into study of the Constitution, Student-organized college Q&A panel earns high marks. "Capturing Kids' Hearts" will assist staff in creating positive and meaningful relationships within the school community. View All. Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. Excellence and equity: Kentwood Public Schools is a global district with a commitment to excellence and equity in all that we do. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. Cedar Springs    Please do not enter the building. As a district, in partnership with our community, we will continue to provide an education of excellence to every Kentwood student. The candidates selected by the board for interviews include two Kentwood administrators and four school leaders from districts in Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Flint and Indiana, including two current superintendents. Forest Hills    Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. (Photo provided by Kevin Polston). 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The Board of Education selected as finalists: Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. Grand Rapids Community College    PDF KENTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Mackinac Center for Public Policy K . Global schools focused on excellence:We succeed on an international stage because Kentwood has a global perspective with a commitment to excellence in all that we do. Sparta    Kevin Polston - Superintendent - Kentwood Public Schools | LinkedIn Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. summer break (F), Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. Welcome to Kentwood Public Schools Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. Polston, currently superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, will take the reins from Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, who retires June 30 after eight years in the role. KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. He is a systems thinker and a systems designer. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. Gildas LaughFest hosting pop-up shop on Saturday, GVSU to celebrate Womens History Month with campus events, Leaders, visionaries, entrepreneurs explore Grand Rapids effort to become a region tech hub, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids present annual service award to Kate Pew Wolters, Grand Rapids Ballet Schools Junior Company present Wizard of Oz, Broadway Grand Rapids announces 2023-2024 season, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma, WKTV Managing Editor, Woodland Mall to offer Holiday Your Way options for shoppers, families this season.